How do you find your customers?

How do people hear about you?

How do you market your services?

How do you generate leads?

Whenever entrepreneurs of any kind gather, the first question of consequence to emerge in their conversations is always this one: “How do you find new business?” It can be phrased in many different ways, but the meaning is always the same.

Typically, the responses revolve around some variation of referrals and word of mouth, and the focus invariably shifts to marketing, selling, “outreach,” or business development techniques. The conversation falls flat once someone mentions cold calling (a technique that everyone agrees is disagreeable!), then collapses altogether once direct mail or advertising gets dropped in. From there, the talk turns to idle chatter, personal questions, the weather—anything to push the topic at hand away from its disappointing beginnings. There are no business development magic bullets or gold nuggets here. Why bother beating a dead horse?

Entrepreneurs today are exasperated. There’s so much competition, so many new technologies to use (and learn), so much swift change in the marketplace. How can people lift themselves above the noise?

“Every article solidified our reputation, garnered national speaking opportunities or generated leads. Credibility is everything to a consulting firm and [emersongroup’s] work to establish me as a thought leader has been invaluable” – Shelley Hall

And when you do attract new customers, they often bolt at the slightest hint of a better deal down the street. Word of mouth, which is so essential to business success, never gets off the ground. It’s a constant game of catch-up, missed goals, back-to-the-drawing-board, and perpetual boom and bust. Despite adhering to marketing and sales “best practices,” nothing seems to help.

Yet a magic bullet does exist: a little-used business development strategy called “thoughtleading,” guaranteed to grant you your “expert’s edge.”

Though all entrepreneurs and companies are experts, few of them exploit their expertise to superior advantage. Those few who do rise above the so-called level playing field to assume higher places are a breed apart known as “thoughtleaders.”

No longer mere “specialists,” “practitioners,” “professionals,” or even “experts,” thoughtleading experts cease wondering where their next business meal will come from. Instead, they steadily welcome new customers from an ever-expanding prospect base that seeks them out, rather than the other way around.

Click here to view testimonials by our current “client thoughtleaders” describing how a thoughtleading strategy has helped make and keep them successful.

" I have found working with Ken and ​his ​team to be a true partnership. Emerson worked to help me reach my goal as if it were one of their own business goals.​ ​ They have been ​invaluable to me in navigating the ​book ​publishing process ​such that ​we were ​ultimately ​successful ​at​ landing a deal with Jossey Bass. "

" The Emerson team has been first-rate on all counts. As a result of the excellent work done by Ken and Elena, I had a choice of three publishers for my latest book. This gave me the luxury of choosing the one that was best-aligned with my goals and gave me the strongest sense that I would be a true partner to them as opposed to “yet another author. "

" Visibility solves TONS of problems for us. The more we’re seen, the more believable we are. The more we’re seen, the greater credibility we have. The more we’re seen, the LESS we need to pursue them and the MORE they pursue us… it eliminates or reduces sales resistance... "

" Ken, without your support and expert advice, Catalytic Management would not have achieved such terrific growth. Every article solidified our reputation, garnered national speaking opportunities or generated leads. Credibility is everything to a consulting firm and your work to establish me as a thought leader has been invaluable. Not only is your support indispensible to our marketing efforts but you make it fun and painless. "

" Ken Lizotte and emerson consulting group have helped to keep my consulting practice healthy for the last several years...I’ve since recommended Ken and his team with enthusiasm to many colleagues who have asked me – How did you do this? "

" Thank you so much for your wisdom, insight and support during this process of seeking a publisher. Without your guidance, I would never have sealed the deal! Not only did you negotiate well on my behalf, but you understood the value of finding the right partner who would be the best fit for my long term goals. I couldn’t have done it without you. "

" I hired Ken Lizotte to represent me and find a publisher for my fifth book “How to Grow a Business by Putting People First” (originally published as “Lead with Your Heart”). Ken came highly recommended by others who had hired him to help with their publishing and thought leader efforts. Although this was my fifth book and I had once earned a living as a free-lance writer, Ken’s sage advice made both my book and magazine articles better before he found a publishing outlet for them. If you strive to be a thought leader, I highly recommend you to hire Ken and his team. "

Michael Shenkman, PhDFounder, President - Arch of Leadership, Professional Mentoring

" I have worked with Ken for nearly a decade. He is, without a doubt, my strategist in chief for my marketing communications strategy. I can’t count the number of ways he has opened my thinking to new approaches, new technologies and media for publishing, promotion and customer service. He does it all with modesty, which I really appreciate. I know when we meet or talk that something good, interesting, thoughtful and productive will ensue. Even though I am located in New Mexico, 2,500 miles away, his service is not in the least diminished. He is worth every penny I have spent with him and his team. Thanks, Ken. "

" I would never hesitate in recommending emerson consulting group inc. The staff is so attentive and responsive...Ken once said to me, "You’re a lot like me." I take that as an honor, to be in his company. I highly recommend Ken and his company and its excellent services. "